Five of Wands - The Beast

A card about struggle, the Five of Wands reminds us that we can overcome the struggle that exists, but we don't have to, nor do we need to, struggle alone. Everyone needs some kind of help at some point in our lives and it's important we ask for help but there's nothing easy about asking. It's a humbling experience.

Letting false pride get in the way, only results in our egos becoming the beast, and the struggle with depression  and confusion that Leonard Cohen speaks about plagues and overpowers us. It's the dragon we need to fight against and we're not likely to win that battle if we have a lack of trust in our intuition and instinct, causing us further depression and apathy. At this point we loose our way in confusion, we loose sight of our vision and courage.

The Five of Wands is a hopeful, empowering card if we heed the message it conveys.

Page of Cups - Love Vs Ego

This Page gazes into the Golden Cup, seeing his mirror image. He is transfixed and enchanted by the beauty of his reflection. Seated on the bank of the river, he appears to be harmoniously surrounded by abundant, lush greenery, and flowers, with trees that look like they are embracing and drinking in the water, representing the spiritual realm.

Cups are connected to emotions, relationships, friendships and romance.
The Page of Cups is living in what looks like Paradise, but he does not take notice, as he is completely absorbed in looking at his own image in the cup. This Page is the young nymph Narcissus, who has fallen in love with his own reflection. He has been unaware of his own identity until now.

Trees for me, always symbolize friendship, and like the trees the roots of friendship run deep, and are all connected deep within the earth. Humans have a direct relationship with nature, which transcends into a spiritual relationship, as we are all part of the earth. It is impossible to separate ourselves from this fact, though in today's world, there exists a big disconnect, as we humans see ourselves as superior to nature. We some how believe that our primary purpose is to use, abuse, and exploit the natural world, and the good earth in whatever ways that are expedient to us.

The Page of Cups embodies the gentle beginnings of self-love, as opposed to the vain love that Narcissus represents. It is true, we are not able to love another, nor fully participate in a loving relationship, if we cannot love and accept who we are. The other extreme is about our egos being so self-absorbed, thinking we are superior, which never allows for happiness, peace of mind, or living a life in harmony with nature, where we are caring for and being good stewards of the world we live in.

Four of Swords - Making Time To 'Chillax'

The Four of Swords was a welcome card this morning, signifying a time for rest, relaxation and some serious chillaxin'. I am more than ready for that, to take a mental break of sorts from myself and my thoughts. It is a great feeling to be back painting again, because I never feel right when I can't seem to get to it, and at it. I don't feel myself and I am off kilter. Now that I've got my groove back, I really can relax and channel my creative energy.

 As adults, we often get bogged down with trying to navigate life, we can get too busy being a grown-up and forget to play and just have fun. Making art should be fun. Or for that matter any work that we do should be at least enjoyable, if not always fun.

Taking time to relax allows for reflection and recuperation to build up strength in reserve in preparation for future efforts and to put order into our lives. But Instead of taking time, I really need to make the time, and make it a priority in order to gain some serenity after the storm.

The Four of Swords coincides with the New Super Moon in Aquarius, which started yesterday. It is a time of having new energy, beginnings and fresh starts, a time of rebirth and growth. Clear intentions, being honest with myself, releasing my ego, and letting go of self-sabotage is a good foundation for the life I want.

Six of Wands - Power & Recognition

Everyone needs a strong sense of personal power that comes from recognition, being a basic human need. Some constantly crave attention, never being able to get enough to fill what seems like a bottomless pit. Other folks are not comfortable at all with any recognition, are self-deprecating to the point of having very little self-worth or confidence. I have seen this many times working with troubled youth for many years. Adults need to impart basic needs to children in order for them to grow into people who have a real sense of personal power.

We all want our fifteen minutes of fame, it is often stated. Regardless, the fact is, it makes little difference to our self-confidence if we are not our own biggest fan, believe in our own abilities, and our capacity to be creative, talented or accomplished, in what ever way.

In the Six of Wands we see Jason who has finally retrieved the Golden Fleece and he is being praised for having fought, and triumphed over the Dragon, which he met head on, including all of the other challenges, and obstacles he faced before finally capturing the Golden Fleece.

His journey is not over however, and there are still new challenges to face.
Jason received great public acclaim for his accomplishment, however he needs to continue to maintain his conviction to be all he can be, to have courage and faith in himself, intuition and an inner spiritual vision.

We can get carried away with public recognition, or our desire for it. Ego can get the best of us with the heady moments and intoxication of praise, acclaim, and much collective validation for efforts made. Public affirmation presents it's own dilemma.
As well, we may experience having to deal with the competitiveness, and envy of others, including our family and friends.


Success is measured in many different ways, depending on how it is defined. Though recognition feels like success, and in some ways it is. It can be a wonderful feeling, because one feels validated, and can give us a sense of belonging.
Ultimately true success, and validation comes from within, and we all have to find the courage to find our own personal power.

Circle of Courage - George Blue Bird - Lakota Artist

Strength - Courage and Internal Fortitude

The tenth card in the Major Arcana is Strength, linked to the sign of Leo. The loin is a sexual animal, but his base instincts are checked and subdued by a hero's caress, ( Hercules). The message here is to use reason, your head, not your heart. Exercised restraint is called for, and to hold your power in reserve. Courage and  internal fortitude will bring success. It signifies possible healing qualities.

Collision with the inner lion is implied and inevitable. The creative handling of one's rage and senseless pride are greatly needed in order to handle the situation.

Trust in one's self and be a person that has integrity and humility, when interacting toward others, and this emerges through such an experience with the lion, which is Strength.

Strength is the next step in the Fool's journey, where through his great challenges and struggles he's learned to direct and harness aggression. His ego is channeled and transformed in a creative way. Through Strength there is reconciliation with forces outside or within the self.

 
The lion can represents the creative and unique Self  enabling us to stand the criticisms and opinions of others. When we have a strong sense of self, mentally and physically, there is an ability to cultivate latent potential to a higher state.